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IAG Cargo sees pharma surge

[ March 18, 2025   //   ]

IAG Cargo says that its Constant Climate service for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals recorded a 22% increase in business in 2024 compared with 2023.

Constant Climate is designed for the transportation of pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines, biotech products, diagnostics samples, or any other temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical material.

With a large proportion of pharmaceuticals requiring temperature-controlled transportation to maintain safety and effectiveness, air cargo is an essential, yet often forgotten link in the supply chain that ensures medicines reach patients quickly and in optimal condition.

Head of pharmaceutical, Jordan Kohlbeck (pictured), said: “A significant portion of our consignments originate in Ireland and India. Both countries are reporting uplift in pharma exports and we are proud to play our role in supporting and facilitating that growth by providing such goods with a route to market, and ultimately ensuring lifesaving treatments and medicines reaches patients who depend on it.”

Data from the International Trade in Goods Division revealed that Irish exports of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products increased by €2,908 million (+48%) to €8,993 million in January 2024 compared with January 2023, representing 48% of total exports.

Meanwhile Indian Government statistics revealed that its drug and pharmaceutical exports increased from $2.13 billion in 2023 to $2.31 billion in 2024, some 20% of the global pharma supply chain.

IAG Cargo has increased its number of approved Constant Climate stations for temperature-sensitive transport, adding Cincinnati, Cape Town and Strasbourg.

It has also opened its New Premia facility at its London Heathrow Headquarters, which includes a state-of-the-art Constant Climate Quality Centre (CCQC) for pharmaceuticals, doubling the airline’s cool chain storage and handling capacity.

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